Horrible Hospital Incident

So last night I went to a hospital 45 min from me (That's the closes one) because the medical info that came with my Butran 10mg patches said to go to emergency services if you are experiencing extreme tiredness while on the patch. I had been experience that for a couple of days and what scared me the ost was that I was nodding off on my drive to work, more than once. I had also contacted my pharmacist who said it seems like the doc put u on too high of a dosage-i agreed. I also left a message for my doctor about switching meds and didn't hear from him. So I get to the hospital, get put in a room pretty quickly. A nurse pops in asking whats going on, so I explained how I read from the info on the drug that I should be here because I was extremely tired. I told her about nodding off everywhere-work, driving, home while typing a text. She said that there was nothing they could do except tell you to take off the patch and go home. Well about 30 min later (in which time I snoozed off n on while texting family) the doctor came in. Again, I explained my story and she said flat out Pain Meds do that. They make you tired (I'm well aware of pain meds). She said there's nothing they can do except send me home. Ok. Now how is it a hospital has a patient come in flat out telling them that they are falling asleep while driving and not asking if they had a driver with them and not saying that they had to stay until a driver could pick them up. Also as I was signing paperwork to leave I asked the nurse-Why is it that the drug companies paperwork says to see you when I have these symptoms and I do that and get turned away. She looks at me and says well when you arent stoned from your meds then call the drug company and find out yourself. So I went home all pissed off about the rude doctor and nurse. I know I could have taken the patch off at home-but when a drug company says to seek service, then I go.
Why are healthcare workers so rude? Or is it they so rude to fibro patients?

Hi Peme6040:

I suppose when you visit ER they are looking to determine what needs attention immediately. I am not in the U.S. In my Province in Canada we must get in touch with our Family Physician first and find out what to do. We have a medical team available on a walk in basis after hours. We have a telephone service from our Health Department who might be able to assist in making a decision on what to do. If you do believe you have an emergency the ER has to process you. I'm sure that is the same in the U.S.

I am not sure what more they could have done for you. I have some health care providers who are very serious and never smile and others that you appreciate as they are pleasant and helpful. If the Nurse said "when you aren't stoned from your meds then call the drug company and find out yourself" that is pretty rude to me. They should do more training in how to approach people who are on pain medications. I am sure none of us want to be on them.

Drug companies put many warnings on their packages rather than risk liability. Another example. I mentioned once when I had a bad virus to my Family Physician that the cold remedy that I took says to see your Doctor if not well after 7 days. My Family Physician said it would not hurt to take it a bit longer than what is recommended on the package.

You have to be careful when taking strong meds if you can't drive safely. There probably is a caution on the package about that. They usually tell you not to operate any machinery, including driving a car, until you can determine that you can do it safely. Everybody is different when it comes to meds.

I hope you will be able to adjust your dose with the Doctor who prescribed the med so that you can function better.

Your post has been a help to me. I have increased meds at my Doctor's instructions and am taking a small dose of a pain med. I have done this due to severe left arm pain. Well I cannot wake up at all in the morning. I must be overtired due to the meds.

Take care.

Loring

Osteoarthritis in Multiple Joints, Fibromyalgia, Neuralgia, Chronic Daily Headaches, I.B., Hard of Hearing...

Ruuuuuuude and out of line. Agree, report the nurse (and take off the patch sweetie!).